AfriForum has sent a letter to the Executive Mayor of George, Browen Johnson, demanding urgent intervention after the George Municipality terminated several security stakeholders\u2019 access to the municipal NAVIC camera system without proper prior consultation. The Municipality has also expressly refused to meet with AfriForum to discuss the decision, despite the organisation\u2019s request for talks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The decision, which took effect on 21 September, means that members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), neighbourhood watches, farm watches and other security stakeholders who previously had access to the system can no longer monitor the footage themselves to detect criminal activity and coordinate responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to AfriForum, the decision increases security risks because the responsibility for monitoring cameras and coordinating information now rests primarily with the municipal control room. This comes amid existing concerns about the control room\u2019s capacity to respond and its communication with security stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Municipality has meanwhile introduced a new application process through which security stakeholders can reapply for access to the system. This includes additional verification, despite existing vetting processes for participation in the E2 network (Eyes and Ears Initiative) and access to the NAVIC platform. AfriForum questions the need for this additional process, as well as who will conduct the verification and what authority any third party involved has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cAfriForum believes the Municipality\u2019s actions are short-sighted, ill-considered and expose the community to unnecessary security risks. These stakeholders, many of whom are volunteers, have devoted their own time, money and resources to keeping the community safe for years. Excluding them without proper consultation speaks volumes about the Municipality\u2019s lack of appreciation for community involvement,\u201d says Marthinus Erasmus, AfriForum\u2019s District Coordinator for the Southern Cape.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
According to Erasmus, the Municipality\u2019s actions also counter the approach advocated by the DA, which governs George, to promotes cooperation between the state, communities and the private sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AfriForum has asked the Mayor to provide clarity on the vetting procedures, training and experience of municipal staff who have access to the system, as well as how applicants\u2019 personal information will be handled under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation demands that the decision be urgently reconsidered, that an interim arrangement be put in place to restore existing monitoring capacity, and that the Municipality urgently meet with AfriForum, the SAPS and other security stakeholders to find a workable solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cThis is not about who owns the cameras, but about the safety of the community. No municipality can combat crime alone. Community safety requires cooperation, and we cannot allow bureaucratic decisions to weaken the capacity of established security networks,\u201d Erasmus concludes.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n